A pair of eyes stared intently at Lu Qingwan's belly, as if they could pierce through her skin and see the little cub inside.
The burning gaze made Lu Qingwan instinctively want to hide her stomach.
Si Fengwu smartly put his arm around Lu Qingwan's shoulders, his voice laced with a smile, "Mother, you've scared her."
Gu Shenci looked sheepishly at Lu Qingwan, "Well, I was just too excited. Your imperial brother and sister-in-law said they weren't having any more children. If I want to experience being a grandmother, I have to rely on the one in A'Wan's belly..."
Like a child eager to see her toy, even after Si Fengwu's subtle reminder, her eyes remained fixed on Lu Qingwan's stomach.
Hearing this, Lu Qingwan felt less flustered. "Mother, what are you saying? You already have a precious grandson by your side, don't you? You can pour your overflowing love onto Xiao Yuan'er. I believe Xiao Yuan'er would be more than happy to accept this love from his grandmother. Am I right, Xiao Yuan'er?"
As Lu Qingwan spoke, she beckoned to Xiao Yuan'er, who walked over with dignified grace and stood obediently beside Lu Qingwan, allowing her to pinch his cheeks. Although the young boy looked the same as before, Lu Qingwan keenly sensed his unease. She asked suspiciously, "What's wrong? You look so dejected. Could it be that you were really scared by your grandmother's suffocating love?"
Although the young boy had moved homes frequently, he had been doted on since childhood. First, Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan fiercely protected him, and then Si Fengming and his wife, to prevent him from feeling abandoned, decided not to have any more children. This absolute favoritism had always kept his spirits high, and he rarely showed such outward dejection.
Upon hearing Lu Qingwan mention Gu Shenci, he quickly shook his head, "No, Imperial Grandmother is very good."
Gu Shenci stared blankly at Lu Qingwan, not quite understanding why she had suddenly mentioned herself. However, she didn't rush to interject and patiently watched Lu Qingwan gently coax Xiao Yuan'er.
"It's good that you weren't scared by Imperial Grandmother. Quickly tell Mother, why are you unhappy?" Lu Qingwan wasn't overly aggressive, nor did she use many complex methods, but Xiao Yuan'er still broke down under her gentle words.
He said, "Mother has ascended the throne, and now you have your own child. Does that mean you don't want me anymore?" This time, without Lu Qingwan having to coax it out of him bit by bit, he readily poured out all his questions. "They said Imperial Grandmother and Grandfather are here to take me back to Da Qin. As the Crown Prince of Da Qin, I shouldn't have stayed in Tian Feng in the first place. If I return to Da Qin now, will there still be a place for me in Tian Feng?"
Initially, everyone's attention was on Lu Qingwan, but with the boy's words, all eyes turned to him.
Lu Qingwan said solemnly, "Yuan'er, do you want to stay in Tian Feng?"
The boy nodded without hesitation, "Of course. I dream of being with Father and Mother every day. Even if you have your own children later, Yuan'er can help Father and Mother raise his younger siblings..."
"What about your Father and Mother?" Gu Shenci said anxiously, "Your Father and Mother stopped having children for you. If you stay in Tian Feng, won't they be too pitiful?"
"Mother, you're too hasty!" Lu Qingwan looked displeased at Gu Shenci, "Yuan'er isn't rejecting his imperial brother and sister-in-law. He just wants to know if he can still return to Tian Feng after going to Da Qin. The current Tian Feng is like the former Regent's Mansion to Yuan'er. He just wants to be able to return to his own home anytime, and there's nothing wrong with that."
Looking at Xiao Yuan'er with firm eyes, Lu Qingwan said seriously, "Yuan'er, listen. Your Father and Mother are not having more children simply because they love you very much. It's not a way for them to demand your gratitude or negotiate with you. You can stay in Tian Feng, and you can also return to Da Qin. If you stay in Tian Feng, Da Qin will reserve the position of Crown Prince for you. If you are in Da Qin, Tian Feng will also reserve the position of Heir Apparent to the Regent for you. There is a place for you in both places. However, you will also have to shoulder the responsibilities of the Crown Prince of Da Qin and the Heir Apparent to the Regent of Tian Feng. This means you will have to work harder and endure more than others. Are you willing?"
The boy nodded like a pecking chicken, "I am willing. Mother, I am willing."
"That's settled then," Lu Qingwan said decisively, "You will return with your grandfather and grandmother when the Da Qin envoy departs. At that time, Mother and Father will choose some companions for you, just like the Li-rank guards around your Father. They will protect you and grow up with you, and they will also arrange a tutor for you to study Tian Feng's governance. After arriving in Da Qin, I will also have your Father choose some companions familiar with Da Qin's governance for you, and then have someone teach you the way of a ruler. As long as you complete your own studies well, you can shuttle back and forth between the two countries every day, and your Father and Mother have no objections. But if your studies are consistently failing, and your tutor locks you up in the Central Province, I won't come to rescue you. Do you understand?"
As soon as Lu Qingwan finished speaking, the boy immediately looked at Si Fengwu with a wronged expression. The latter turned his head away ruthlessly, "Don't look at this King. It's your misfortune to have encountered two such formidable families. If you have the ability, unify Tian Feng and Da Qin yourself, and you won't have to run between them."
Unifying two countries was impossible. Xiao Yuan'er knew his own capabilities and understood Si Fengwu's malicious intentions. He turned and walked away directly, "Your son will go and find a tutor to begin his lessons." Knowing that pleading was futile, he decided to face the challenge head-on.
The Crown Prince and Princess of Rui'an watched their little grandson's heavy retreating figure with heartache.
Empress Dowager Gu worriedly said, "This child's parents haven't been around since he was young, and now he has to leave you to go to a completely unfamiliar illusion. Is it too harsh to burden him with studies like this?"
The Retired Emperor also looked at him with great affection, "Yes, the child is only twelve years old and already has to bear the responsibility of governing two countries. What if he encounters difficulties with his studies? Will he really think that you don't want him anymore?"
Lu Qingwan took a deep breath, "So, what exactly do you two want by bringing him to us?" Her tone was calm, and her expression was serene, showing no signs of abnormality.
Gu Shenci also said calmly, "We just want the child to return with us without any worries. After all, Ming'er hasn't seen his child in a long time..."
"Return without any worries? Do you think that's possible?" Gu Shenci was speechless, obviously aware that it was unfeasible.
Lu Qingwan then concluded, "The current situation is already the best. Your imperial brother and sister-in-law are both enlightened individuals. I believe with their patient guidance, Yuan'er will settle down and become a qualified Crown Prince. As for here, it will be a keepsake for the child."
Empress Dowager Gu and the Retired Emperor remained silent for a long time. Empress Dowager Gu finally stammered, "If that's the case, we won't disturb you any further." After saying that, the two supported each other and slowly departed.